ONEhttps://www.one.org/international
Join the fight against extreme povertyFri, 09 Dec 2016 10:37:00 +0000en-UShourly1On Anti-Corruption Day, let’s make transparency the priority for democracyhttps://www.one.org/international/blog/on-anti-corruption-day-lets-make-transparency-the-priority-for-democracy/
Fri, 09 Dec 2016 09:33:58 +0000https://www.one.org/international/?p=35926The Panama Papers, the Bahamas leaks, the Luxleaks trial and the consequent sentence of whistle-blowers. 2016 has seen a number of revelations that have highlighted the extent of secret dealings and money laundering across the world. More than ever these revelations are uncovering the mechanisms of a system that’s deliberately designed to hide the real identities of the company owners and facilitate illegal tax evasion, money laundering and other forms of corruption. The good news is as this system is being uncovered, it’s no longer possible to look the other way and pretend this isn’t happening. Above all, no one can pretend there aren’t solutions.

Global corruption, while putting many democracies in jeopardy, has a substantial impact on the lives of citizens in the poorest countries. Many individuals and firms living and doing business in developing countries illegally evade paying their taxes though webs of illicit activity. This has a serious impact on the world’s poorest, as they are in critical need of cash flow to sustain their development and provide citizens with vital services. Every year a trillion dollars is siphoned out of developing countries. If this was to be recovered and tax paid much of this money could be spent on areas such as health and education.

To put an end to this financial drain we must fight the lack of transparency around financial systems. One way to tackle this is for multinational corporations to provide citizens with real means to hold their government to account. Tangible change may become a reality at the European level with two parallel processes. Country By Country Reporting requires corporations to publically disclose some financial information such as turnover, number of employees and tax paid for every country in which they operate. At the same time Beneficial Ownership would reveal the real owners of anonymous shell companies and trusts which facilities hidden illicit activities.

To give power back to citizens we need to make this information accessible, readable and usable. This data will allow not only government authorities but also citizens, journalists and civil society to identify illegal tax evasion and, if proved, retrieve crucial revenue that could be invested into the fight against extreme poverty. In many African countries, citizens have used this public information (which in many cases was previously private) to put the pressure on their government to increase public sector spending. Making these corporate entities transparent will not only shine a light on corruption and money laundering, but will also strengthen citizen led action and active participation in democracy.

The international community has been active on this issue. 2016, for all its revelations, also saw initiatives and international summits involving civil society, partners from the private sector and governments. In May, the Anti-Corruption Summit held in London set the stage for a global transparency agenda which saw countries making commitments to end corruption, money laundering and illicit financial flows. Right now, more than 70 governments, together with the private sector and civil society, are meeting in Paris for the Open Government Partnership Summit to discuss further ways to strengthen and deepen open governance, and increase citizen involvement. All the participants of the OGP Summit have the opportunity to discuss ways to move forward to consolidate the commitments of 2016 and lay the groundwork for concrete opportunities in 2017, such as making sure the topic is on the table for elections across Europe. Only with these commitments will we be able to work towards a system that benefits all.

The OGP Summit provides a platform for multinational companies and governments to make concrete commitments and steps to improve corporate transparency such as beneficial ownership disclosure and country by country reporting. The high-level panel Follow the Money: Ending Corporate Secrecy Through Transparency , in partnership with the Open Government Partnership will bring together multinational companies, governments and CSOs to discuss ways to better improve transparency in business transactions.

]]>How Open Government can help end extreme povertyhttps://www.one.org/international/blog/how-open-government-can-help-end-extreme-poverty/
Wed, 07 Dec 2016 10:15:31 +0000https://www.one.org/international/?p=35904Did you know that over a trillion dollars is lost by developing countries annually through secret and illegal dealings, money laundering and illegal tax evasion? The Panama papers are a testament to the fact that the current global financial system allows for and enables this behaviour, which ultimately means fewer hospitals, schools and contributes to the plight of millions of people who live in extreme poverty.

Let us call on governments and private sector to be transparent in corporate dealings and payments.

This week, ONE joins over 70 governments, civil society organisations and businesses in Paris, France for the fourth Open Government Partnership Summit . The summit will discuss anti-corruption, transparency, access to information, service delivery and the implementation of open government.

Anonymous companies, trusts and similar legal instruments play a central role in money laundering, concealing the identity of corrupt individuals and irresponsible businesses involved in activities including the trafficking of arms, drugs and people, the theft of public funds, and tax evasion. Transparency around company ownership is a critical part of the solution to ensuring this kind of activity is exposed and those involved are brought to justice.

Similarly, knowing how much a multinational company is paying a government in every country in which it operates assist government in enforcing their own tax laws and help citizens follow the money.

On both beneficial ownership and country by country reporting, there are live legislative processes happening right now which could ensure these important steps in the fight against corruption are enshrined in law.

The European Union is reviewing the Anti-Money Laundering Directives, it objective is to improve the effectiveness of the EU’s efforts to combat the laundering of money and financing of terrorist activities.

The EU Accounting Directives should include the disclosure of all financial payments made to governments for all EU companies on their transactions in both the EU and outside territories; on a country by country basis in order to help win the war against illegal tax evasion.

ONE will be attending the Summit in order to push forward the need for more transparency in order to fight against extreme poverty and ask governments for ambitious commitments.

ONE is hosting a High Level Roundtable called : Follow the money : Ending Corporate Secrecy Through Transparency on December 9 at 3.15 pm at Palais d’Iena. and will monitor the OGP members during the Summit.

Follow us on Twitter using #FollowTheMoney to keep up to date during the Summit.

]]>Saving lives with MomConnecthttps://www.one.org/international/blog/saving-lives-with-momconnect/
Fri, 02 Dec 2016 17:13:12 +0000https://www.one.org/international/?p=35299Healthy and happy expectant mothers and new babies is the aim of MomConnect, a mobile based programme that delivers health messages to new mums and mums-to-be.

Users can sign up for weekly texts about their pregnancy, with health related information and updates about what they should expect to be experiencing. They can also ask questions about anything they need to know about their baby or pregnancy and register the birth once the new baby has arrived.

Every year 1,500 mothers and over 34,000 infants die during childbirth in South Africa. That’s 93 babies and 4 mums per day. With maternal and infant mortality still a major issue in South Africa, MomConnect is a solution developed by the Department of Health to tackle this by providing essential information and support that is crucial to a healthy pregnancy and birth.

For many new mum’s the service is a lifeline, providing them with information that can offer both knowledge and peace of mind throughout their pregnancy.

Nolubabalo Fudumele used MomConnect when she was expecting her son and found it reassuring to know what was happening throughout each stage of her pregnancy, “I was more aware of the changes, because the messages explained to me why I felt certain things. You are always worried when you are pregnant.”

The service continues to grow, embracing new and developing technology to connect more users. MomConnect now uses facebook’s Messenger to chat with users, making the service more accessible to the 75% of South African’s that use facebook on their mobile phone. Not only does this help to reach more people, but makes the service more affordable and allows MomConnect to send longer, more detailed, messages.

It’s not just new Mums who are seeing the benefits. Antenatal health workers like Alida Mallum, a nurse at Mitchell’s Plain MOU in Cape Town, find it helpful for reminding Mums about the information provided in prenatal visit. “We tell them plenty of things during our talks, but pregnant women are often tired,” she says. “They are not always absorbing everything we tell them. These messages are reinforcing the information we already gave them.”

MomConnect is already a proven success – with over 1 million people subscribing to the service. As they reach more and more expectant mums, MomConnect continues to provide information that is saving lives across South Africa.

Call on leaders and innovators from all countries, industries and communities to make universal internet access a reality by adding your name now.

]]>Nigeria: An open letter on the unfolding tragedyhttps://www.one.org/international/blog/nigeria-an-open-letter-on-the-unfolding-tragedy/
Fri, 02 Dec 2016 15:07:51 +0000https://www.one.org/international/?p=35829This open letter published in international media highlights a tragedy in the making in Nigeria – but if everyone acts now, hundreds of thousands of lives can be saved. We are also sharing this story from UNICEF which illustrates the depth of the problem – but also shows the way to a solution. Please share this with your friends to let them know.

Women and children in northeast Nigeria. (Photo credit: ONE)

To: The Editor
Financial Times
1 Southwark Bridge
London
SE1 9HL

Dear Sir, the tragedy now unfolding in north-east Nigeria is one of the world’s deadliest but least reported emergencies – and must be addressed when humanitarian emergency donors gather this week in Geneva.

Over 4.7 million people are in need of food assistance and some 400,000 children are at imminent risk of starvation. Almost 2 million people have been displaced. Most are living without adequate nutrition or clean water. And over half-a-million children have lost access to education. Many of the areas affected are inaccessible due to ongoing conflict and insecurity – so the final numbers of those in need are likely to be far higher.

The international aid response has been inadequate. Less than 40% of the humanitarian response plan for 2016 was funded – and the shortfall has cost lives. Part of the avoidable tragedy is that only a small group of donors have risen to the challenge. The UK, the US, and the European Union’s emergency fund account for most of the limited support provided so far. Donors conspicuous by their absence from the humanitarian response to NE Nigeria must now step up to the plate and do more. Estimates for 2017 put emergency financing requirements at US$1.2bn. These resources are needed to keep girls and boys alive: warnings from the UN and NGOs that business-as-usual will cost 200 child lives a day must be taken seriously.

Of course, the ultimate responsibility for the humanitarian response rests squarely with Nigerian authorities. President Buhari’s government has demonstrated serious intent. But a coordinated commitment between the Nigerian government, international partners, and UN agencies is only just coming together and too many partners have acted far too slowly. Decisive action now must be delivered in a way that both saves lives but also tackles the long-term causes of the crisis: a combination of extreme poverty, corruption, marginalization and inequality that has been exploited by Islamic extremists. That is why we urge donors and the Nigerian government to link the immediate humanitarian response to a recovery strategy that openly and accountably delivers the education, jobs, infrastructure required so we can save lives now and stops the crisis recurring in the future.

Sincerely, Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, Chairman of the Dangote Foundation David Oyelowo OBE, award-winning British-Nigerian actor Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of Oxfam International Nachilala Nkombo, Africa Executive Director for the ONE Campaign (interim) Kevin Watkins, CEO of Save the Children Bono, co-founder of ONE and lead singer of U2 Mo Ibrahim, Founder of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation

Fanna Mohammed is worried about her son. Seven-month-old Umara is thin and listless. He rests his head against his mother’s shoulder as she carries him in her arms. It’s impossible to get him to raise a smile.

The family fled their village in a rural area of Nigeria’s Borno state earlier this year due to the ongoing Boko Haram-related crisis. Now they live in a camp in the state capital, Maiduguri. Muna Garage camp is home to an estimated 20,000 people; 8,000 of those are children under the age of 5.

Because of the Boko Haram-related crisis, 14 million people across the northeast of Nigeria are in desperate need of assistance. More than half are children. In Borno state alone, there are more than 1.4 million displaced people. The majority live in host communities but around a quarter of a million people live in camps for IDPs – Internally Displaced People.

“At the moment, the critical urgent gap we see in all the IDP camps is the availability of food,” explains UNICEF’s Senior Emergency Coordinator AbdulKadir Musse. “People could not cultivate in the last two years; still they do not have access to their cultivation areas and there is no… all livelihoods are being lost! That’s why we see high rates of malnutrition.”

Fanna says Umara’s been ill for the past few week. He is physically showing signs of severe acute malnutrition. The bones on his chest and back are prominent; his skin is loose around his arms and legs.

Today, Fanna’s brought Umara to a UNICEF-supported medical clinic that’s situated within the camp. A dozen or so other women are also there with their babies. They sit patiently on a long bench inside the tent, trying to keep their children entertained whilst they wait to be seen.

“The child is severely malnourished and dehydrated,” Abdullahi explains. “Umara looks very down, he doesn’t laugh, he doesn’t play, he does not look okay at all.”

Umara is immediately given life-saving treatment. Abdullahi shows Fanna how to feed her son with a packet of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUFT). RUFT is a peanut-based paste that’s high in calories and full of added vitamins and minerals. Three packets a day for eight weeks can save the life of a child with severe acute malnutrition. Lying in his mother’s arms, Umara slowly but surely eats the food. Before he’s allowed home, the health team put him on a course of extra vitamin A, antibiotics, and antimalarial medicine.

Umara’s one of more than 117,000 children across northeast Nigeria that UNICEF’s admitted to therapeutic feeding programmes. But there are still thousands more that need urgent help. The UN’s Office of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) estimates that 75,000 children in northeast Nigeria are at risk of dying of hunger “in the few months ahead”.

UMARA’S IMPROVEMENT

A week later, Umara’s back at the clinic for his second screening. There’s a small, but steady improvement. His arm is plumper, at 9.7CM and he’s put on a little weight. The scales read 4.3KG.

But it’s at Umara’s third screening that the improvement is more visible. He’s put on yet more weight – he’s 5.1kg – and his arm circumference is now 10cm. He’s still classified as severely malnourished but the improvement, both physically and in terms of his general well-being, had made staff optimistic that he will make a full recovery is he continues on the feeding programme.

Umara is assessed for malnutrition by a UNICEF Nutrition Officer at a UNICEF supported health clinic in northeast Nigeria. (Photo credit: UNICEF)

“When Umara came for the third visit, he was looking okay,” Aishat says, smiling. “He was playing, laughing, he does not have any problem. When we measured his MUAC, his MUAC has increased and when we measured his weight his weight has also increased.”

Umara’s mother, Fanna, looks visibly relieved. For the first time since we met three weeks, she smiles as she holds a bright and engaged Umara in her arms.

“He can play, eat and drink now,” Fanna says. “He is not being sick anymore. He is so happy!”

This World AIDS Day, ONE’s 2016 AIDS report, “Stuck in Neutral,” is breaking some pretty big news: when it comes to the global AIDS response in 2015, not much has changed. And in this case, no news is not good news.

When it comes to global funding, resources available for the global fight against AIDS were essentially flat … for the fourth consecutive year.

When it comes to preventing new infections, the number of people infected with HIV annually has remained stuck at 2.1 million … for the third consecutive year.

When it comes to treatment, two million people gained access to life-saving medicines in 2015 … for the third consecutive year.

In short, the global AIDS response is stuck in neutral.

To be clear – the world is making progress in the fight against AIDS. Since 2010, the number of children infected with HIV annually has dropped by nearly 50%. If this pace continues, the world will eliminate mother-to-child transmission of AIDS by 2020. And today, more than 18 million people have access to live-saving treatment. Over 2 million people were added to treatment last year alone, which helped avert 1.2 million deaths.

The problem is that key indicators that track progress on treatment, prevention, and funding look virtually the same year after year. And business as usual won’t be enough to put the world firmly on the path to the end of AIDS by 2030.

The world has a plan and the tools needed to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, but achieving this is not a foregone conclusion.

Our 2016 report explores gaps in three areas – prevention, treatment, and funding – and hones in on a few key 2020 targets where accelerated action and renewed commitment are needed to break the gridlock – before it is too late.

The response of world leaders over the next four years will determine whether we move towards eradication of the disease or retreat. Governments and donors must shift out of neutral and increase ambition by 2020 or they risk squandering the hard-earned gains of the past decade. We make three recommendations to accelerate action:

Build on the Global Fund replenishment by increasing funding in the years up to 2020, particularly by increasing the share of funding coming from domestic resources through both traditional and innovative channels.

Put health systems at the centre of the AIDS response through greater integration of services and strengthened health workforces.

Accelerate innovation and learning with better and more timely data.

If the successful replenishment of the Global Fund in September was an indication, world leaders still have the will to wage this fight against AIDS. But do they have the ambition necessary to win it? This World AIDS Day, we’re thanking world leaders for getting us this far and calling on them to accelerate action in the next four years.

Read the 2016 AIDS report here, and then become a ONE member to join the 7 million people worldwide in the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease.

]]>No news is…bad news: 5 facts on stalled progress in the fight against AIDShttps://www.one.org/international/blog/no-news-is-bad-news-5-facts-on-stalled-progress-in-the-fight-against-aids/
Mon, 28 Nov 2016 10:30:34 +0000https://www.one.org/international/?p=35759The world has a plan and the tools needed to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. But achieving this is not a foregone conclusion. And there’s a troubling trend emerging in the fight against AIDS: progress has stalled – we are Stuck in Neutral.

Year over year we’ve seen how political commitment and smart investments can prevent infections and save lives. But the pace of the AIDS response must accelerate in the next four years, or we risk losing momentum. Here are five facts that illustrate this troubling trend:

1. Despite significant declines in the number of new infections among children, the number of adults infected with HIV annually has remained stuck at approximately 1.9 million—for eight years running.

2. The annual number of people infected with HIV still exceeds the annual number of people starting on life-saving antriretroviral (ARV) treatment – this means the pace of the AIDS response isn’t keeping up with the epidemic.

3. Young women are disproportionally impacted by the AIDS epidemic. An average of 1,068 young women were infected with HIV every day last year, and AIDS remains the leading cause of death for women aged 15–44 globally. (In sub-Saharan Africa, young women are twice as likely to be infected as young men.)

4. Resources available for the global fight against AIDS are essentially flat for the fourth consecutive year.There is a $7 billion gap in funding needed to lay the groundwork for controlling the AIDS pandemic in our lifetimes.

5. A worsening epidemic has the potential to become drug-resistant. That could negate the effective treatment and tools currently available and undo the historic progress that has been made to date.

Renewed focus and increased ambition are needed in the next four years to achieve key goals in the fight against AIDS. The window of opportunity is closing and one question remains: Will the world collectively step up and deliver what is needed?

]]>Meet the homeless man who went from building baskets to building children’s futureshttps://www.one.org/international/blog/meet-the-homeless-man-who-went-from-building-baskets-to-building-childrens-futures/
Fri, 25 Nov 2016 14:53:19 +0000https://www.one.org/international/?p=35768“We bring them in, enable them to earn sufficient wealth, then graduate them out.”

That’s Blessing Basket founder and CEO Theresa Carrington talking about her organisation, which allows artisans to earn significantly higher than fair trade wages for their products during the time they are in the program. Their model creates a cycle of entrepreneur-driven growth that results in financial independence for the artisan.

Some of the handmade crafts at Blessing Basket. (Photo credit: Blessing Basket)

Blessing Basket finds entrepreneurial-minded artisans and gives them market access and financial assistance in starting a small business. Through that model, the artisan will be independent and ready to graduate from the Blessing Basket program in three years.

This model makes conducting business more difficult for Blessing Basket because they have to continually find and train new artisans—but the organisation believes helping each individual eventually stand on their own two feet and lift themselves out of poverty is worth it.

Just ask Azoko.

At 23, Azoko was homeless, out of school, and weaving baskets on the streets of Accra, Ghana. After a representative from Blessing Basket found him and enrolled him into the program, Azoko was able to sell his wares, return to his village, and put himself through school.

Azoko used his wages to put himself through school. (Photo credit: Blessing Basket)

“I felt I had a fruitless life because I missed a lot of opportunities in school,” says Azoko. “Blessing Basket made it possible for me to return home.”

“We created the opportunity,” Theresa says, “but he had to do the work.”

Each year, Blessing Basket puts on a graduation ceremony for the artisans who are ready to leave the program and become independent business owners. During the ceremony, each graduate is given a badge and certificate—these items can be used as a means of proving business acumen and potential to local banks and lending programs so that they can continue to grow their businesses.

“I felt happy and excited when I graduated. My friends and family were all jubilating and congratulating me,” says Azoko.

Earlier this year, Blessing Basket was honored by the United Nations for its innovative Artisan&You program. When you purchase a Blessing Basket product, you’ll find a unique ID number that allows you to connect and exchange letters with the artisan who created your handicraft. This allows customers to understand how their purchase is helping in the fight against poverty, and enables an intercultural connection between individuals who may be oceans apart.

Azoko is now a teacher in the village where he grew up. (Photo credit: Blessing Basket)

Today, Azoko is a teacher in the very village where he once had to drop out of school. He teaches seven different subjects at a local girls’ school—his best and favorite subject is mathematics.

“His is a story that should inspire others never, ever, to give up,” says Theresa.

“I will come into contact with pupils who may have similar problems I faced,” Azoko says. “I am using my past experience to motivate pupils never to give up, no matter the situation they go through, because perseverance brings success.”

Learn more about Blessing Basket here, and join ONE today to be part of the fight against extreme poverty.

Ahead of World AIDS Day on December 1, the second annual (SHOPATHON)RED has launched! Once again, it’s jam-packed with winnable celebrity experiences and hundreds of products that fight AIDS with (RED).

From today through December, RED.org is stocked with hundreds of products, all of which help fight AIDS. From (APPLE)RED accessories to the new LOKAI x (RED) bracelet and even the launch of a new (VESPA 946)RED scooter, there are gift ideas for everyone at all price points, with (BANK OF AMERICA)RED as the official payment provider for (SHOPATHON)RED.

In partnership with online giving platform Omaze, (SHOPATHON)RED is also the only place where fans can enter to win once-in-a-lifetime experiences with big stars for as little as a $10 donation to fight AIDS. Experiences include:

Win a chance to have U2 play for just you during a full dress rehearsal!

Join Channing Tatum in Las Vegas for ‘Magic Mike Live’ and be his personal guest at the exclusive after-party

Hit New York City, have dinner and see a show with Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, with (COCA-COLA)RED matching every donation-to-win, up to two million dollars

Hold on tight as you take the jet ski ride of your life and Snapchat with DJ Khaled

Go backstage VIP at The Late Late Show with James Corden, and Carpool Karaoke!

(RED) is a division of ONE, and was founded in 2006 to engage businesses and people in the fight against AIDS. (RED) partners with the world’s most iconic brands that contribute up to 50% of profits from (RED)-branded goods and services to Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

To date, (RED) has generated more than $360 million for the Global Fund to support HIV/AIDS grants in Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, and Zambia. One-hundred percent of the Global Fund’s money goes to work on the ground – no overhead is taken. Global Fund grants that (RED) supports have impacted more than 70 million people with prevention, treatment, counselling, HIV testing, and care services.

Vuyiseka Dubula is an avid runner and is currently completing her PhD. She’s also become synonymous with courage, passion, and fierce determination in the South African civil society landscape.

It hasn’t been an easy journey, particularly as a woman born into poverty in the small town of Dutywa in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Vuyiseka grew up living apart from her biological parents and had to take care of her younger sibling. She wanted to change how she and her sister were living and dreamed of a better life.

At 22, she was diagnosed with HIV. It felt like a shattering of her dreams, especially as treatment would be difficult for her to obtain. But shortly after her diagnosis, she was introduced to the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), which campaigns for access to HIV treatment.

After a long bout of depression following her diagnosis, she volunteered with TAC for months and eventually opened an office in her home.

“The HIV struggle chose me; I didn’t choose it,” she says. “TAC was the only movement that I felt was radical in its approaches to challenge the status quo on issues of access to HIV treatment.”

What started off as a group of about ten members has grown to 8,000 people in seven of South Africa’s nine provinces. Each member gets information on the science of HIV, TB, and other conditions, as well as their rights in the public health system.

Vuyiseka’s highlights during her time with TAC are the court victories, including the 2002 ruling in which the South African government was ordered to provide anti-retroviral drugs to prevent transmission of HIV from mothers to their babies during birth.

During those early years, “we worked non-stop for 14 years with no time to relax,” she says. Vuyiseka was forced to leave her child with her mother-in-law when her workload got particularly heavy after she became the Secretary General of TAC—a position she held for six years after being elected twice. Her visionary leadership helped one of the largest HIV programs in the world come into its own.

But it was difficult to watch hundred of her comrades succumb to AIDS in the early years of the organisation. With support from family and other TAC members, she was always able to pick up her spear and soldier on.

“I don’t usually get despondent because I know that I can do something about it,” she says. “With our gains in HIV, we can only draw wisdom and strength to know that no matter how long it will take for us to win, it will happen.”

She also attributes her determination to her children, a 9-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son. “They are more than a motivation,” she says. “They are a firm reminder of my duty to hand over a better country to the future generation.”

TAC still works to expose health-related corruption and health governance issues, and even challenge the private healthcare sector. The organisation, where Vuyiseka remains a board member, continues to be at the forefront of exposing poor management of HIV/AIDS services at local levels through intense monitoring.

Before stepping down from her position as the Secretary General, Vuyiseka founded an Activist Education and Development Centre that facilitates and supports unemployed HIV+ activists’ access to higher education. The organisation also provides a space in which activists can reflect, write, and relax, because there is very little self-care support for activists in South Africa.

To date, the centre along with their partners, TAC and the Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management at Stellenbosch University, have ensured that more than 30 HIV-positive activists have completed some form of higher education.

Vuyiseka says her next step is expanding the centre’s activities to reach more provinces of the country. “It is women who make social movements,” she says. “But with limited educational support, they are often discarded by movements, left unemployable and with no means to support themselves.”

Vuyiseka’s vision is one in which female activists can move beyond their often unrecognised roles within movements to actually leading civil society organisations, which remain male-dominated, even in 2016. An ambitious goal, but not unreachable for a woman who has already pushed so many boundaries.

Young women are disproportionately impacted by the AIDS epidemic. Read more about this and other issues in the fight to end AIDS in our 2016 AIDS Report.